Dolce+Groomer=Disaster....

So, although these are precious photos of Dolce, and a lovely photo of my mother! ~ here's how the groomer experience went: I went to pick him up, he ran right past me...out the door...and onto the street towards oncoming traffic. Its an absolute miracle that he was not hit. It was frightening, but also a classic Dolce move because my mother wasn't there and he is always looking for her! This time it almost got him killed. I ran after him which of course only made him run faster. He stopped in the street and I grabbed him. He is home. He is safe. And he is doing some thinking about his actions. What I learned: leash him before he comes out of the grooming room. Precious baby. He is so sweet. He loves my mom (more then me and I have come to accept that) Who can blame him? She's a fabulous lady!

My first weekend in Portland (in nearly a month) without any type of work commitment....and I let loose! I didn't want to be home. We had sun and warmth and I was on a mission to enjoy. Dolce and I did lots of walking in our neighborhood Pearl District. Most of the restaurants I mention are located in the Pearl. Its a great walking district...lots to do and lots to see. I purchased two fun new books from Powell Books. They have a great online store - check it out. I believe they are the largest used and new bookstore anywhere. A trip to Sephora was included as was a cosmo and appetizers from Bluehour. We were out and about all weekend, but the highlight, watching the Yankees come from behind to beat the Dodgers on Sunday evening. I've even included a photo of my four favorite Yankees....Happy Monday!

A day in DC....

The air in DC is thick with power and politics and so much history. My first stop was the National Museum of African Art/Smithsonian Museum. African history and art has always fascinated me - the details of the masks, the statues and the beautiful woven baskets. This is a culture that takes such pride in their work. That evening was spent at the Nationals baseball game, which means I get to check another stadium off my list (the goal is to see a game at every stadium) It was a beautiful DC evening with fantastic seats and a surprise visit from our President. Speaking of our President, I stopped by his house the next day. This was a very fast trip for me as most of the time was spent at a conference, which only left 1.5 days for touring. I also stopped by the National Museum of Natural History and the American History Museum. At these two Smithsonian Museums, I had the pleasure of seeing dresses worn by the First Ladies, artifacts from President Abraham Lincoln, Archie Bunker's chair, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Carrie Bradshaw's laptop and the Hope Diamond - quite a mix! I loved my visit and would have enjoyed a few more days, however, it was time to return to Dolce, my ever-loving poodle, who always seems to forget who I am when I return from a trip. Luckily, my next trip is just for one day....a turn-around to Seattle in July. The Yankees are coming!

Venice, Bellini's and Ernest Heminway....

In my earlier post, I mentioned Bellini's and I do love them. If you are interested, click here to read a very short history of the Bellini. I think this drink has a very interesting history....and you can taste it with every sip. Enjoy!

A Taste of Summer....

Well, they said if we were patient enough it would happen. And it did. The blue skies came to Portland. A gorgeous weekend of warmth and sun. Dolce and I, along with some lovely other people, ventured to lunch on Saturday. Those who know me, know that I am not much of a foodie, therefore, when I rave about a meal, it really was good! I started my meal with the most delicious Bellini. If you've never had a Bellini, you must try one - especially in the summer. Next to having a Bellini at Cipriani's New York, this was the best one yet. For lunch, the starter was a delicious crab cake. The entree was English Pea Risotto with marscapone and parmigiano-reggiano. Bliss. Here's a photo of this delicious work of art....I would have taken a photo of the gorgeous Bellini, however, the glass was quickly half-empty, and I'm a gal who always sees the glass as half- full.